Project Overview
The scope of the work consisted of removing the concrete slab of three double-wide garage bays and a loading dock in its entirety. In addition, new floor drains, a gas/oil separator, and associated piping were installed, along with new electrical, HVAC, Fire Alarm, structural steel, overhead doors, and masonry demising walls.
G. Greene Construction collaborated with Harvard’s Capital Planning and Construction Office and Perry and Radford Architecture to develop the project’s scope for replacing the structural slab. The G. Greene Team proactively identified the long lead items and pre-purchased all the equipment so there would be no downtime during Construction. Once the scope was developed and final plans were created, Harvard University awarded G. Greene the project as the Construction Manager at Risk amidst several strong competitors.
The construction took place in the historic Quincy House Garage. New Quincy is an eight-story high-rise that combines modern design and convenience with wonderful views of its more traditional neighborhood. It consists of a two-story commons wing along Mt. Auburn Street, a nine-story main residence unit with split-level suites having splendid views, and the almost entirely detached raised House Library, the placement of which adds a second interior court to the series of courtyards and gardens that are a distinctive part of the House. This building was named for Massachusetts native Josiah Quincy 111 (1772-1864), President of Harvard from 1829-1845, mayor of Boston, congressman, judge, businessman, and author. The building officially opened in September 1959 and was designed by Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson, and Abbott to hold the Department of Philosophy, the Social Ethics Department, and the Social Museum. It currently houses a student dormitory and a central dining hall facility.
Solutions
This project demanded exceptional coordination among multiple subcontractors. Positioned directly above the food storage room of one of Harvard University’s busiest dining halls, we boldly undertook the removal and replacement of steel-embedded, elevated concrete slabs at three garage bays and a double slab loading dock. This challenging task necessitated extensive shoring of the existing columns, foundation walls, and other structural elements. We efficiently supported and rerouted the existing MEPs below to facilitate this operation. Additionally, we installed a new oil and gas separator for the garage exhaust system that extends eight stories to the roof.
Results
The project was a success in terms of quality, timing, and budget adherence, contributing positively to the infrastructure of Harvard University’s dining services. Completed within the tight 11-week timeline, it facilitated a seamless transition for students returning to campus. In addition, the project maintained budget constraints, demonstrating effective resource management and planning, while high levels of coordination between multiple subcontractors highlighted effective teamwork and communication throughout the process.